•±01 Book of the Black Bass. 



by the forefinger, which encircles it, and thus acts as a 

 drag. The bass is, of course, hooked by the right, or rod 

 hand, and the rod is held ia that hand so long as the bass 

 is inclined to pull steadily, or take line ; but as soon as he 

 shows a disposition to " let up," or turn toward the angler, 

 the rod must be taken in the other hand, so as to leave the 

 right hand free to use the reel. The bass should be made 

 to feel, constantly, the spring of the rod, which should 

 always maintain a curve, by the tip being held in an ele- 

 'vated position. The bass should fight for every inch of 

 line, and the angler should take it again whenever possible. 

 The fish must be killed on the rod. 



Should the bass break water, with a long line, merely 

 let the rod straighten as he falls back, so as to slacken the 

 line (.but it should be recovered immediately when he 

 strikes the water), for if he falls across a taut line he is 

 almost sure to tear the hook out. If he breaks water with 

 a short Une, the rod may be elevated so as to keep the line 

 above him, following him back as he falls into the water. 



If there is danger of the bass getting to the weeds, or to 

 the protection of snags, roots, rocks, etc., he must be stopped 

 at all hazards. If the rod is a good one, and pliable, the 

 angler must not hesitate to give him the butt; this will 

 bring him up standing, with no danger to a first-class rod ; 

 but if the rod is a stiff one, turning the butt to him will 

 be most sure to break it; in this case it is best to keep the 

 bass away from dangerous places by main strength and 

 the natural bend of the rod. If fishing from a boat, great 

 caution must be used to prevent the fish from running 

 under it, as he will be sure to do if he has the opportunity ; 

 and should he succeed, the rod must be quickly passed 

 around the stern, or bow if the boat is not anchored, and 



